Education program

The CarbonNet Project values science, technology and engineering. Our project supports a number of education programs designed to inform the general public and school students about managing carbon dioxide emissions, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and how the CarbonNet project will work.

The Great Choc Rock experiment

Everyone can participate in the Great Choc Rock Experiment -  an activity that explores the porosity and permeability of rocks – using chocolate.

You will need:

• an Aero or Bubbly bar
• a Tim Tam or similar biscuit
• a solid chocolate bar
• a glass of milk.

Follow along with our video starring Roy Anderson from CO2CRC to test the porosity (the spaces between the rock grains) and the permeability (the ease with which fluids can flow through those pores) of the chocolate.

Science Week 2019 – Science Expo at Gippsland Tech

In August 2019, CarbonNet hosted a Science Week event at the Gippsland Tech School campus in Morwell focusing on CCS and Hydrogen. The event was opened by Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Amanda Caples and was well attended by Latrobe Valley locals of all ages.

We provided the local community with a range of hands-on experiences such as:

• experiments like the Tim Tam Slam
• close-ups with core rock samples and other artifacts
• CO2CRC hologram
• CSIRO’s cool CCS virtual reality experience
• a science magic show
• the opportunity to sit in Toyota’s Mirai Hydrogen powered car
• an up close and personal view of the huge Saildrone – an automated, solar-powered ocean-going drone.

Free hydrogen decorated cupcakes were also on offer…while they lasted. [photos]

This event brought together key industry bodies including:

• CSIRO
• Geoscience Australia
• CO2CRC
• University of Melbourne
• University of Wollongong
• Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) representatives
• Toyota
• AGIG - who ran the popular hydrodog BBQ.

Schools outreach program pilot

CarbonNet is working with the Global CCS Institute (GCCSI) to create and implement an education program focusing on climate change solutions for up to six high schools to pilot across Gippsland.

The unit fits into the Environmental Science curriculum and addresses learning outcomes for year nine students. The prepared sessions illustrate the importance of a multifaceted approach to reaching zero net emissions by 2050.

Activities include balancing the carbon budget and learning about CO₂ and CCS.

The pilot program will be trialled in 2021.

Page last updated: 13 Feb 2023